About the song
Phil Ochs‘s “The War Is Over” stands as a powerful anthem released in 1968 during a tumultuous period of social and political upheaval in the United States. Featured on his album Rehearsals for Retirement, the song resonates deeply with its poignant commentary on the Vietnam War and the broader struggles for peace and justice during that era.
Released at a time when public sentiment against the Vietnam War was mounting, “The War Is Over” encapsulates Ochs’s fervent anti-war stance. The song’s lyrics reflect a mix of frustration, defiance, and hope, urging listeners to confront the harsh realities of war and to envision a future of peace. Ochs, known for his sharp wit and lyrical prowess, delivers these themes with a raw honesty that cuts through the political rhetoric of the time.
Musically, “The War Is Over” is characterized by its folk-rock style, typical of Ochs’s repertoire. The acoustic guitar serves as a backdrop to his earnest vocals, enhancing the song’s emotional depth and reinforcing its message of protest and resistance. Ochs’s voice, filled with conviction and urgency, drives home the urgency of his message.
The impact of “The War Is Over” extends beyond its musicality; it became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement and a symbol of dissent against U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The song galvanized protests and demonstrations, offering a voice to those who opposed the war and sought to bring about social change. Its influence on the cultural and political landscape of the 1960s and 1970s cannot be overstated, as it contributed to shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions.
Today, “The War Is Over” remains relevant, serving as a reminder of the power of music to inspire activism and provoke thought. Its themes of peace, justice, and the human cost of war continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about conflict and global security. Phil Ochs’s legacy as a troubadour of protest lives on through this timeless song, reminding us of the enduring importance of speaking truth to power and striving for a more just world.
In conclusion, “The War Is Over” by Phil Ochs is more than a song; it is a testament to the artist’s commitment to social justice and his unwavering belief in the power of music to effect change. Through its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody, the song remains a poignant reflection of its time and a call to action for future generations.
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Lyrics
Silent soldiers on a silver screen
Framed in fantasies and dragged in dream
Unpaid actors of the mystery
The mad director knows that freedom will not make you free
And what’s this got to do with me
I declare the war is over
It’s over, it’s overDrums are drizzling on a grain of sand
Fading rhythms of a fading land
Prove your courage in the proud parade
Trust your leaders where mistakes are almost never made
And they’re afraid that I’m afraidI’m afraid the war is over
It’s over, it’s overAngry artists painting angry signs
Use their vision just to blind the blind
Poisoned players of a grizzly game
One is guilty and the other gets the point to blame
Pardon me if I refrainI declare the war is over
It’s over, it’s overSo do your duty, boys, and join with pride
Serve your country in her suicide
Find the flags so you can wave goodbye
But just before the end even treason might be worth a try
This country is to young to dieI declare the war is over
It’s over, it’s overOne-legged veterans will greet the dawn
And they’re whistling marches as they mow the lawn
And the gargoyles only sit and grieve
The gypsy fortune teller told me that we’d been deceived
You only are what you believeI believe the war is over
It’s over, it’s over